Coupling device

ABSTRACT

Described is a coupling device for a joining together adjacent dock segments of a dock installation including an elongate pin portion and at least one clamp portion, each positionable on respective dock segments. The pin portion has at least one elongate first clamp surface aligned along its length with a central longitudinal first axis, the pin portion being configured to be received in a corresponding pin-receiving region adjacent the clamp portion. The pin-receiving region is at least partially bordered by at least one second clamp surface which is aligned with a second axis. The clamp portion is configured to be actuated between an open pin-receiving configuration, at least partially opening the pin-receiving region along the second axis, and a pin-engaging configuration with the first clamp surface engaged with the second clamp surface. The second axis is configured to be substantially parallel with the first axis, and with a lateral axis of at least one of the dock segments, for securing the pin portion therewith, so that the pin portion is rotatable relative to the clamp portion about the first axis to accommodate relative movement between the adjacent dock segments.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/266,872, filed Feb. 4, 2019, which is a Continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/585,337, filed May 3, 2017, as aContinuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/480,944filed Apr. 6, 2017. The entire subject matter of each of the aboveapplications is incorporated herein by reference, including allinformation originally submitted to the U.S. Patent Office.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to coupling devices, more particularlyfor use in assembling adjacent segments of a dock.

BACKGROUND

Summers at the cottage have become an important tradition for manyCanadians. Included in the tradition is the opening of the cottage, andthe installation of the “dock”. The cottager will either do this ontheir own or hire contractors to complete the installation. Often, theyare formed from dock segments which pivot together by way of a pinjoining adjacent dock hinges together. Docks come in a variety of formsincluding floating and/or stationary, usually with multiple segmentsmade from a variety of materials such as wood and aluminum.

Installing a dock is normally done with a hinge-type coupling of havingmatching hinge plates (similar to those of a door hinge) installed onfacing ends of adjacent dock segments. The difficult part of theinstallation arises when attempting to line up and install a closefitting pin in opposing hinge plates with a suitably alignment in orderto do so. This means that both sets of hinge plates on opposing ends ofdock segment must be aligned in all directions for the insertion of thepin in one of the aligned sets of hinge plates to be successful.

It can be very frustrating to hold and retain the segments of any dockin their exact location to physically maintain the exact alignment inall directions for the pin to be inserted in between a narrow gapbetween them. All the while, the cottager is trying to avoid pinchingfingers, as loads are shifting to insert the pin over open water withoutdropping the pin, parts and tools into the water. Wave action, current,wind, cold water, and sudden expected shifts of weight by helpers on thedock segments, are some other factors that can complicate the effort. Itis, to say the least, rare that a finger is not pinched, or a knuckle isnot skinned. Tools must be located and maintained and it is quite likelythat, at each successive dock installation effort, more tools, pins,clips and the like, find their way to the bottom of the lake.

SUMMARY

Some aspects of this disclosure may provide a method and apparatus forthat overcome some of the drawbacks of known techniques, or at least,provide the public with a useful alternative.

In one aspect, there is provided a coupling device for a joiningtogether adjacent dock segments of a dock installation, comprising:

-   -   a. an elongate pin portion and at least one clamp portion, each        positionable on respective dock segments;    -   b. the pin portion having at least one elongate first clamp        surface aligned along its length with a central longitudinal        first axis, the pin portion being configured to be received in a        corresponding pin-receiving region adjacent the clamp portion;    -   c. the pin-receiving region at least partially bordered by at        least one second clamp surface which is aligned with a second        axis; and    -   d. wherein the clamp portion is configured to be actuated        between an open pin-receiving configuration, at least partially        opening the pin-receiving region along the second axis, and a        pin-engaging configuration with the first clamp surface engaged        with the second clamp surface, the second axis configured to be        substantially parallel with the first axis, and with a lateral        axis of at least one of the dock segments, for securing the pin        portion therewith, so that the pin portion is rotatable relative        to the clamp portion about the first axis to accommodate        relative movement between the adjacent dock segments.

In another aspect, there is provided a dock segment comprising an upperdeck surface, and a designated portion of a pin portion or a clampportion of a coupling device as defined herein.

In another aspect, there is provided a dock segment comprising adesignated portion of a pin portion or a clamp portion of a couplingdevice as defined herein.

In another aspect, there is provided a pin assembly for use in securinga dock in position, comprising at least one pin portion for use with atleast one clamp portion, and at least one pin support portion to supportthe pin portion, wherein the pin support portion is configured to bemounted on a dock or on an associated anchoring structure.

In another aspect, there is provided a coupling device for use inpositioning a dock segment in a dock installation, comprising at leastone elongate pin portion positionable on the dock segment or anassociated anchoring structure, the pin portion surface aligned alongits length with a central longitudinal pin axis, the pin portion beingconfigured to be received in a corresponding pin-receiving region in aclamp portion of an adjacent coupling device.

In another aspect, there is provided a coupling device for use inpositioning a dock segment in a dock installation, comprising a clampportion positionable on the dock segment or an associated anchoringstructure, the clamp portion having a pin-receiving region to receive apin portion of another coupling device, the pin-receiving region beingaligned with a clamp axis, wherein the clamp portion is configured to beactuated between an open pin-receiving configuration, at least partiallyopening the pin-receiving region along the clamp axis, and apin-engaging configuration with the pin portion held in thepin-receiving region, wherein the clamp axis is configured to besubstantially parallel with a pin axis of the pin portion, and with alateral axis of the dock segment or the associated anchoring structure,for securing the pin portion therewith, so that the pin portion isrotatable relative to the clamp portion about the pin axis toaccommodate relative movement between the dock segment and the adjacentdock segment or associated anchoring structure.

In another aspect, there is provided a method of connecting adjacentdock segments of a dock, comprising:

-   -   a. providing a pair of segments of a dock to be installed at a        shore location;    -   b. providing at least one coupling device of any aspect or        exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, figures and/or        claims, with each of the pin portion and the clamp portion        positioned on corresponding dock segments; with the clamp        portion in the pin-receiving configuration;    -   c. operatively aligning the first and second surfaces for        engagement; and    -   d. actuating the clamp portion to the pin-engaging        configuration.

In another aspect, there is provided a method of installing a dock at adesignated location, comprising:

-   -   a. providing at least one coupling device of the present        disclosure, figures and/or claims, wherein the pin portion and        the clamp portion are each positioned on corresponding dock        segments or a dock segment and an associated anchoring        structure; with the clamp portion in the pin-receiving        configuration;    -   b. operatively aligning the pin portion and clamp portion for        engagement; and    -   c. actuating the clamp portion to the pin-engaging        configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Several embodiments of the present disclosure will be provided, by wayof examples only, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic fragmentary perspective view of a dockinstallation;

FIG. 1a is a schematic plan view of the installation of FIG. 1;

FIG. 1b is a schematic plan view of a portion of the installation ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g and 1h are schematic views of alternativeconfigurations to that shown in FIG. 1 b;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views of a coupling device in theinstallation of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are successive schematic operational side views ofanother coupling device;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are successive schematic operational side views of anothercoupling device;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are side views of other coupling devices;

FIGS. 11a and 11b are schematic side views of another coupling device,showing a twisting actuation used to establish a coupling;

FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 are successive schematic operational side views ofother coupling devices;

FIGS. 15 and 16 are successive schematic operational side views of othercoupling devices;

FIGS. 17 to 24 show side and perspective views of still other couplingdevices; and

FIGS. 25 and 26 are perspective views of still other coupling devices orassemblies therefor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood that the invention is not limited in itsapplication to the details of construction and the arrangement ofcomponents set forth in the following description or illustrated in thedrawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of beingpracticed or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to beunderstood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for thepurpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The useof “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof hereinis meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalentsthereof as well as additional items. The term “dock” means a structure,which is sometimes also known as a wharf, installed at a designatedshoreline location for accessing a region adjacent thereto and mayinclude fixed, floating and/or suspended dock configurations andstructures joining docks to adjacent shoreline locations or other waterbased anchoring or other structures such as docks and/or piers,including ramps, stairs and the like. The term “dock segment” means asegment of the dock as defined and may include such things as an upperdeck, a set of stairs, other attachment structures for attaching thedock segment to another dock segment or an associated structure, and thelike. The term “integral” means to be joined together, so as to form aunitary structure. The term “bite” means an operative portion of adevice to grip a surface. Furthermore, and as described in subsequentparagraphs, the specific mechanical and/or other configurationsillustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of theinvention. However, other alternative mechanical and/or or otherconfigurations are possible which are considered to be within theteachings of the instant disclosure.

Referring to the figures, an exemplary embodiment of a coupling deviceis shown at 10 for joining together adjacent dock segments of a dockinstallation shown at 12, 14 and 16. The coupling device 10 comprises anelongate pin portion (or bit) 18 and at least one clamp portion (orbite) 20, each of which is positionable on the respective dock segments12, 14 and 16.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the pin portion has at least one elongatefirst clamp surface 22 aligned along its length with a centrallongitudinal first axis 24. The pin portion is configured to be receivedin a corresponding pin-receiving region 26 adjacent the clamp portion20. The pin-receiving region 26 is, in this example, at least partiallybordered by at least one, in this case a plurality of second clampsurfaces 28, 30, which are aligned with a second axis 32.

The clamp portion 20 may be configured to be actuated between an openpin-receiving configuration, as shown in FIG. 3, at least partiallyopening the pin-receiving region along the second axis, and apin-engaging configuration with the first clamp surface engaged with thesecond clamp surface (as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5). The secondaxis 32 is thus configured to be substantially parallel with the firstaxis 24, and with a lateral third axis 34 of at least one of the docksegments 12, 14, so that the pin portion 18 is rotatable relative to theclamp portion 20 about the first axis 24 to accommodate relativemovement between the adjacent dock segments 12, 14.

The clamp portion 20 has first and second clamp portions 42, 44, eachproviding one of a pair of the second clamp surfaces 28, 30. It can beseen that the second clamp surfaces are at least partially substantiallysymmetrical relative to the pin-receiving region 26.

FIGS. 1 and 1 a to 1 f are for schematic illustration purposes only. Thegaps shown between adjacent dock segments do not necessarily reflectactual surface decking gap dimensions that may be achieved withexemplary embodiments herein. Indeed, gaps may be achieved that are, insome cases, narrower than provided by prior art configurations. Suchgaps may be dependent on relative dimensions of the components utilized.

Referring to FIGS. 1b , 2 and 3, a pin support portion 46 is configuredfor mounting the pin portion 18 on a corresponding mounting region 12 aon a first dock segment 12, and a clamp support portion 48 is configuredfor mounting the first and clamp portions on a corresponding mountingregion 14 a on a second dock segment 14. As shown schematically in FIG.1, each dock segment may be configured with a frame segment 12 b and adeck segment 12 c integrally formed with the frame segment 12 b orremovably positioned thereon, to providing a deck surface 12 d.

In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, the pin supportportion 46 comprises a first base structure 50, and a plurality ofsupport structures, in this case a pair of post structures 52 positionedat designated spaced locations 54, 56 along the pin portion 18. As canbe seen, the pin portion 18 has opposed end regions 18 a, 18 b, and thedesignated spaced locations 52, 54 are in the respective opposed endregions 18 a, 18 b.

In some exemplary embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 1e , the pinportion may be provided with opposed end regions 18 a, 18 b, in whichone of the designated locations 54 is adjacent end region 18 a, whilethe other designated location 56 is between the opposed end regions 18a, 18 b. This has the effect of extending the pin portion 18 beyond thepin support portion 46, allowing for offset coupling arrangements thatmay be of use in some cases. In this case the pin would be provided witha remote end barrier 18 c to define an outer surface between the endbarrier and the next adjacent pin support post structure 52. Thus, thisconfiguration provides at least one first clamp surface 22 which isoffset relative to the designated locations, to receive the clampportion 20 in an offset manner in relation to the pin portion 18.

Referring to FIG. 1f , the pin portion 18 may extend a relatively longdistance against a correspondingly wide dock segment 12, with docksections 14 mounted thereon. In this example, the wide dock segment 12may be positioned on- or off-shore, and enables the dock segments 14 tobe shifted as needed, as indicated by the respective double arrows 14 bto account for different gaps as needed for boats, water access and thelike. In this case, the coupling between the pin portion 18 and therespective claim sections 20 may be configured to provide a relativelyloose fitting coupling therebetween, or a relatively tighter couplingand, in both cases may be adjusted by the actuator as needed to permitthe dock segments to be shifted as need be.

In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1c and 1d , the pinportion 18 may extend in such a manner as to present a first clampsurface 22 which can receive more than one clamp portion (in the case ofFIG. 1c ) or a single clamp portion (as shown in FIG. 1d ), itselfpresenting a sufficiently long second clamp surface so as to provide adimensionally stable coupling between the pin and clamp portions 18, 20.

Further, FIGS. 1c, 1d and 1e , may be considered to be representative ofa plan view of a dock installation or a side view thereof, with thecoupling allowing for horizontal or vertical sliding motion betweenadjacent dock segments as represented by the double headed arrow 51.

In some exemplary embodiments, as can be seen in FIG. 3, the clampsupport portion 48 comprises a second base structure 60, and the firstclamp portion 42 includes a flange 62 extending outwardly from thesecond base structure 60, the flange having boundary region 64configured to extend downwardly toward a water surface. The second clampportion comprises a bite 66 which is movable relative to the flange 62and is configured to be located below the flange 62 and inwardly of theboundary region 64 thereon, as can be seen by the configuration shown inFIGS. 4 to 6.

In some exemplary embodiments, an actuator 70 is operable to displacethe first clamp portion relative to the second clamp portion (or viceversa) between the pin-receiving and pin-engaging configurations. Insome cases, the actuator 70 may be configured to be accessible from anupper deck surface of the dock segment. In other cases, the actuator maybe configured to be accessible from a location other than an upper decksurface of the dock segment 12, 14.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the actuator 70 includes a threadedmember 72 threadably engaged with one of the first and second clampportions. More particularly, the bite 66 is provided in the form of apolymer block 74 secured to a plate 76, with the plate having a threadedcollar 78 to receive the remote end of the threaded member 72 todisplace the bite 66 toward the flange 62.

FIGS. 4 to 6, FIGS. 7 and 8, FIG. 9 and FIGS. 10, 11 a, 11 b and FIGS.17 to 24 illustrate other exemplary embodiments of a coupling device 10.

The coupling device 10 of FIG. 9 deploys a latch mechanism 92 of thetype used in a trailer hitch, and is provided with a cam 93 which ismovable between the open position (as shown in FIG. 9) and a closedposition as shown by the dashed arrow, to bring the cam 93 intoengagement with the pin 93 a, and held in the closed position by thelatch 94 which is engaged with the catch 96.

In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 11a and 11b , theactuator 70 may be configured to rotate the second clamp portion 44relative to the first clamp portion 42. In this case, the second clampportion 44 may be configured as a cam 82 to displace the pin portion 18between the pin-engaging and pin-receiving configurations, on rotationthereof, by way of lever 84.

Referring to FIG. 5, the actuator 70 may also include an electric,mechanical hydraulic or air driver, shown schematically at 85, which maybe integrally formed with a threaded fastener or the like 98, beseparate therefrom, such as can be provided by a manually operated,electrical, mechanical or hydraulic actuator or the like, such as aportable hand tool, a power drill, air drive, solenoid, or the like.

In some exemplary embodiments, as shown schematically at 10 in FIG. 4,the actuator may further comprise a biasing member for biasing the clampportions toward the pin-receiving configuration or the pin-engagingconfiguration. In the example schematically shown, the biasing memberincludes a spring 86.

In some exemplary embodiments, the pin portion and/or the clamp portionsmay further comprise one or more layers of one or more low-frictionmaterials to form the first and/or second clamp surfaces. In the exampleof FIG. 2, the elongate pin 18 portion includes an outer sleeve 88formed of at least one low-friction material with the first clampsurface formed thereon. The first clamp portion and/or the second clampportion may also, in addition to the pin portion or in the alternative,further comprise a layer formed of at least one low friction material toprovide the second clamp surface thereon. In this case, the low frictionmaterials may include a polymeric material.

Some exemplary embodiments further comprise an indicator, operable toindicate when the clamping portion is in the pin-engaging configuration.The indicator may include an indicator member, associated with theactuator, and capable of changing its orientation in a visiblydistinctive manner between the pin-receiving configuration andpin-engaging configurations.

In some exemplary embodiments, the indicator member may be provided as ablock which, in the pin-engaged configuration is sufficiently squeezedto become visible by an operator of the actuator. An example of anindicator of the type described may be seen in FIG. 4 by the block 90which is seen to expand on compression, under the action of bolt 98, asshown in FIG. 5, thus providing the indication.

In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the pinportion 18 may be configured with a length sufficient to be received bya plurality of instances of the clamp portion 20. Further, the pinportion 18 may also, in this example, be a linking element between apair of clamp portions 20 without the pin being anchored to acorresponding dock segment or associated anchoring structure. In thismanner, the pin portion 18 may be provided with a pair of end regions orother formations enabling the pin portion 18 to be held in the clampportions 20 while permitting relative rotation therebetween.

In some exemplary embodiments, the pin may be provided by a pin supportportion which may take the form of a clamp portion. Thus, in thisexample, a plurality of clamp portions may be mounted on facing surfacesof the neighbouring dock segments with each engaging a common pinmember.

In some exemplary embodiments, a dock segment may include a framestructure which may be fabricated with an upper deck surface, and adesignated portion of a pin portion or a clamp portion of a couplingdevice according to one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed.The designated portion may be removably attached to the dock segment, oralternatively one or more components thereof may be integrally formedtherewith.

In some exemplary embodiments, the dock segment may include one or moreof a floating or non-floating dock span, a ramp, a pier and/or a dockanchor.

In some exemplary embodiments, the following method may be deployed toconnect adjacent dock segments of a dock together, comprising:

-   -   a. providing a pair of segments of a dock to be installed at a        shore location;    -   b. providing at least one exemplary embodiment disclosed herein,        of a coupling device, with each of the pin portion and the clamp        portion positioned on corresponding dock segments; with the        clamp portion in the pin-receiving configuration;    -   c. operatively aligning the first and second surfaces for        engagement; and    -   d. actuating the clamp portion to the pin-engaging        configuration.

Thus, some exemplary embodiments may provide a self-contained, singleoperating one part function, in an actuator apparatus that retains themoving parts keeping them within itself. Actuation may be operated fromopposing sides, or the preferred desired location such as the flatsurface of above and on the dock, and may offer an ability to maintain anarrow surface gap over the dock hitch—hinge coupler for consumer safetyand the ability to do so without reducing and restricting the ability todisconnect the coupling device through an independently created gap oraccess hole, as seen at 98 and 100 in FIGS. 1h and 1g respectively.Exemplary embodiments may be utilized at the onset of, and throughout,the cottage season and in some cases enabling the coupling of adjacentdock segments to be carried out by one installer. In some cases, theinstaller may facilitate the coupling function by shifting his weight onthe dock to entrap the pin-bit retained by clamp-bite housing prior toengagement of tooling to actuation apparatus for integral unity

Some exemplary embodiments may thus reduce the physical needs normallyrequired to hold shoreline ramps and loads at their elevated locationover open water. First, a single pin portions with a relatively longfirst clamp surface, or a pair of pin portions with relatively shorterfirst clamp segments, may be aligned with a pair of clamp portions,which may involve lowering the elevation of the pin portion(s) byshifting loads on the corresponding dock segment to lower it into thewater, sufficient to enter the clamp segments from below and then,through the buoyancy of the corresponding dock segment, rise into apre-clamping aligned condition with the first and second clamp segmentsin aligned with and in contact with one another and with the first andsecond axes also substantially in alignment with one another. In sodoing, the dock segments will tend to self-align while the operator canact on the actuator to bring the pin and clamp portions to a clamped orpin-engaging configuration.

Some exemplary embodiments may be fabricated from a range ofenvironmentally stable materials, and may offer a wide range of swing orrotation motion, such as up to 360 degrees in some cases, particularlywith offset pin-clamp arrangements and the like, while operable to beactuated and de-actuated with as little as half of a pin's diameter, ina direction transverse to the first and second axes.

Some exemplary embodiments may reduce the need for left and rightmatching pairs, since the clamp and pin portions may be reversible,invertible, spaced apart, positioned immediately adjacent one another,independent or apart along an axis, and may be provided, if desired, toinhibit substantial lateral movement relative to the first and/or secondaxes, or alternatively enable a horizontal to vertical slip couplingwith a predetermined range of lateral movement, in this case provided bya first pin-bit clamp surface length to exceed the correspondingeffective length of the second clamp-bite surface.

Some exemplary embodiments may provide an actuator to include a standardbolt operatively coupled to a cammed bite, thus transferring theclamp-bite from a pin-bit receiving configuration to a pin-bit engagingconfiguration by the rotational displacement of the cammed bite, whereinthe standard bolt is driven by hand tools, or by other mechanical,electrical solenoid, or hydraulic actuation methods.

Some exemplary embodiments may provide a spring or other biasing elementto bias the clamp-bite toward either the pin-engaging or pin-receivingconfigurations, to aid in the coupling procedure between pin-bit andclamp-bite to improve functions ability of receiving pin or bit whenused in vertical or inverted planes, or otherwise without the aid ofgravity.

Some exemplary embodiments may provide a hinge coupling which, when inuse, is configured to maintain a permanent minimal surface gap neededbetween adjacent dock segments, which thus offers a safety feature forchildren and pets accessing the dock surface by reducing gaps normallyseen between dock segments, and improved visual appeal by enhancing anappearance of continuity from one dock segment to another, whilemaintaining designated lateral and longitudinal tolerances, verticalswing motion to accommodate the natural undulations of the watersurface, while minimizing unwanted tilted swing motion (ie the docktipping from one side to the other) caused, for instance, by wavesapproaching the dock from either side.

Some exemplary embodiments may provide a coupling apparatus that may befabricated with or without a mounting or attachment flange and may beconfigured as an attachment for a direct weld, bolt, or otherconventional fastening system onto dock structure or segment framing,and formed using a range of fabrication techniques.

Some exemplary embodiments may provide a coupling apparatus and or itscomponents of conventional standards materials, coated or not, formedand/or extruded materials and alloys, composites, castings, or injectionmoldings, or other terms of fabrications to conform to its nature of useand attachment processes.

Some exemplary embodiments provide a coupler for use as marine dockhinge/connector coupler system, which may be actuated from above theupper dock deck surface, while requiring relatively little effort tolift and hold, and maintain consistent loads on adjacent dock segments,while also reducing risks of injury caused by pinched fingers etc. andalleviating aggravations of supporting and maintaining alignment and ofdock segments. In other cases, the coupler may support itself whilemaintain the loads and alignments between the adjacent dock segmentsbefore actuating.

Some exemplary embodiments may provide actuation by way of a threadedbolt that may be driven or drawn between the engaged and disengagedpositions by the use of a single tool, using a mechanical wrench,socket, power drill, or the like. Alternatively, a cam actuator may beused by way of a manually operated lever or an electrical, mechanical,or hydraulic actuator or the like, such as shown at 85 in FIG. 5, insome cases alleviating a need for deck surface-accessible gaps and ordisruptions.

Some exemplary embodiments may provide the pin or bit portion with across section that may be round, square, oval, cylinder shape, pipe,shaft, short or long, continuous or discontinuous, as a shaft, a rail,strait or bent, preformed “U”-shaped, and attached independently throughits self or directly affixed to opposing sides. In some cases, where thepin or bit portion and the corresponding clamp or bite are non circular,the coupling configuration may not necessarily result in substantialrelative rotational movement between them. In this case, such relativemovement may be provided by the respective associated supportstructures.

In some embodiments, the pin-bit or clamp-bite may be formed with lowfriction or hardened materials, thus not requiring a sleeve.

Some exemplary embodiments may provide the pin-bit and/or clamp-biteportions with substantially unequal or equal effective lengths, whilethe pin-bit portion may also be provided as a bolt with bushings,bearings, sleeves and retainer washers held by a nut or other means ofattachment between two opposing supporting members.

Some exemplary embodiments may provide a dock coupler which provides aconnection between two dock segments where the pin-bit and/or clamp-bitmay be provided with a range of different surface configurations, eachintegrally formed with the corresponding dock segment, and capable ofbeing released using a conventional drive tools such as a power drill,in some cases.

Some exemplary embodiments may be deployed with the first and/or secondaxes oriented perpendicular to a corresponding dock segment axis, suchas by aligning the first and second axes vertically and establishing aslip pin-engaging configuration, as shown at FIG. 1e , allowing one oreach of the so-coupled dock segments to be displaceable relative to theother in a vertical slip movement, as opposed to a vertically pivotingmovement as is provided when the first and second axes are orientedhorizontally.

Some exemplary embodiments may provide the use of bushings and sleevesto allow for the multitude and combination of metals or other materialsin the formation of the components of the coupling while addressinggalvanic reactions (oxidation) that may occur with some materials due todirect contact and environmental conditions (i.e. salt water, water andemersion in water).

Some exemplary embodiments may provide the ability to assemble anddisassemble framed structured pipe, aluminum, wood, and composite frameddocks decked independently without necessarily needing to climb into thewater. This may be accomplished by progressively installing docksegments one-by-one, out into the water, and then by removing the docksegments in reverse. In both installation and removal, the dock segmentnext to install/remove, may be carried/dragged over the alreadyinstalled (or as yet uninstalled) dock segments, on a first in, last outbasis.

In some exemplary embodiments, as seen in FIG. 15, a dock segment may beinstalled by aligning the pin-bits with the corresponding clamp-bites,while the dock segment is in a vertical position, the actuated to thepin-engaged configuration, then be rotated downwardly into the water,and then removed in reverse order.

Some exemplary embodiments may provide a clamp or bite housing withclosed ends, as can be seen in FIGS. 17 to 24, to provide a closedhousing providing the second clamping surface with a passage to enable apin-bit of a length to fit inside the housing to enter same, thusretaining and isolating the pin-bit, enabling rotation about the firstand second axes, but while preventing a swivel movement therebetween.

In some exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 25, the pin supportportion 108 may include a base 110 and a pair of webs 112 extendingoutwardly therefrom. The webs may be configured to support the pinportion 114 therebetween. The webs, in this case, include parallelpassages 116 to receive a corresponding end region of the pin portion114, but may also be configured in other ways to support the pin portion114, such as by the use of intermediate structure between the webs andthe pin portion 114.

The pin portion 114 may include an outer sleeve portion 117 located on apin structure 118, and the pin structure 118 held relative to the webs112. For instance, the pin structure 118 may extend into the parallelpassages 116 to be positioned therein. Such positioning may be carriedout by welding to form a welded seam shown at 120, or by using othermechanical fasteners of the type shown in other exemplary embodimentsherein. For instance, the pin portion 114 may extend through the webs112 and be held by bolts extending laterally through end regions of theportion extending on both ends thereof beyond the webs.

In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG. 25, the first clampportion 122 may include at least one, in this case two reinforcing webs124 which may extend between the second base structure 126 and theflange 128. The second clamp portion 130 may include a channel portion132 with a flange 134 extending outwardly therefrom, wherein one or moreof the channel portion 130 and flange 134 may define a second clampsurface 136. The channel portion 132 may include an inner passage 138which is dimensioned to receive a first threaded fastener 140 (in thiscase in the form of a hex nut) therein in manner to prevent rotation ofthe threaded fastener 140. The channel portion 132 and/or flange 134 mayalso be further configured to receive a second complementary threadedfastener 142 extending between the first and second clamp portions 122,130, and through passages in the channel portion 132 and flange 134.

In some exemplary embodiments as shown in FIG. 26, a pin assembly may beprovided for use in securing a dock or other neighbouring structure inposition, comprising at least one pin portion 152 for use with a clampportion shown at 154 according to a exemplary embodiment hereindescribed, and at least one pin support portion 156 to support the pinportion 152. The pin support portion 156 may be configured to be mountedon a dock or on a shore based anchoring structure 148.

In some exemplary embodiments as shown in FIG. 26, the pin supportportion 156 may include a plurality of (in this example a pair of) pinsupport members 158 extending along a longitudinal axis 160. The atleast one pin portion 152 may include a plurality of pin portions 152positioned along the pin support members 158, wherein each pin portionis, in use, at an elevation for engaging a corresponding clamp portion154 in a designated operative mode. The pin support members may extendalong opposed edge regions of a base 162, wherein the base 162 isconfigured to be anchored on the dock or the anchoring structure.Alternatively, the pin support members 158 may be affixed directly tothe dock or the anchoring structure without need for the base 162.Alternatively, the base 162 may be integrally formed with the dock orthe anchoring structure. Thus, such exemplary embodiments provide aplurality of pin portions 152 aligned at a number of elevations at adesignated anchoring location on the dock or the anchoring structure, oranother structure as desired.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 26, the pin portions 152 are presented as a lowerpin portion and an upper pin portion, thereby providing two alternativeclamping elevations for the clamp portion, such as a lower elevation foruse in lower water levels at the shoreline and a higher elevation foruse in higher water levels at the shoreline. The spacing between the pinassemblies 150 are illustrative only and may be increased as need be.Furthermore, a single such pin portion may be used in some cases, aswell as more than two pin portions, depending on the circumstances.

Some exemplary embodiments may provide a pin or bit with a partial orcontinuous, parallel or perpendicular mounted pin support formedthereon, in a manner that maintains the operative range of rotation ofthe pin or bit about the first axis, while the clamp or bite isconfigured to enable the operative range of motion while retaining thepin therein, when coupled therewith.

Some exemplary embodiments may provide a dock coupler having a mountingplate with a gasket, coating, finish or the like to minimize the effectsof galvanic and chemicals reactions, such as rust or other oxidation.

Some exemplary embodiments may provide an actuation device which isconfigured to reduce friction between the pin-bit and clamp-bite, by wayof one or more non-conductive materials, alleviating galvanic reactionsand the like, while providing a visual indicator that the coupling iscomplete, for example by a collapsible, expandable or deformablematerial, such as resilient plastic materials in a variety ofconfigurations and consistencies, to assume a visually indicative stateunder the forces of an actuation bolt, or the like.

Some exemplary embodiments may provide a clamp bite, with an outersleeve which is oversized to provide controlled play between the firstand second clamp surfaces, to generate a slip or slide effect over thepin or bit retained by the clamp or bite and clamp or tooth.

In some exemplary embodiments, the actuator may include a locking washerto withstand unwanted movement of the threaded fastener.

In some exemplary embodiments, the actuator may include a threadedfastener with a spring between clamp or bite and the clamp or tooth fornon-gravitational uses.

In some exemplary embodiments, the actuator may include an electric,mechanical, hydraulic or air activation fastener in a continuous pin orbit engaged mode.

In some exemplary embodiments, the actuator may include a twist turnengagement of clamp or tooth fastener.

In some exemplary embodiments, the actuator may include a marred,burred, squeezed, capped, or other mode to disrupt thread function afterassembly ending threads of actuator to retain all parts to the fastener.

Some exemplary embodiments may further comprise an actuator mounted onone of the first and or second clamp bite or tooth portions, theactuator being accessible from preferred plane of accessibility where inuse.

Some exemplary embodiments may further comprise an actuator mounted onone of the first and or second clamp bite or tooth portions, theactuator being operable through electrics, air, hydraulic or solenoidsfrom any suitable other location other than on upper deck surface of thedock segment.

In some exemplary embodiments, the indicator member may be a rubberwasher which, in the pin or bit-engaged configuration is sufficientlysqueezed to become a galvanic barrier defusing metal corrosion of theactuator or clamp or bite housing.

Some exemplary embodiments may include one or more of the following:

-   -   i) A mounting plate or frame of dock for attachment;    -   ii) A pin or bit as a bolted attachment to a dock segment with a        nut retainer;    -   iii) A retained pin or bit as round on square spaced from its        associated support structure, such as by the use of stand-off        spacers or the like;    -   iv) A clamp bite or tooth;    -   v) Spacer washers to retain a clamp-bite housing onto a retained        pin or bit portion;    -   vi) A clamp or bite housing connected with a clamp or bite as        assembled;    -   vii) A bolt as an actuation apparatus, including a lock washer,        flat washer, rubber washer as visual engagement and galvanic        separation, with bolt through clamp housing (without spring        apparatus for detachment), the clamp or tooth and tooth retainer        bracket and the extended length of bolt apparatus, bolt with the        burred threads as the detainment of all parts inclusive;    -   viii) Decking with an access hole or through decking to operate        the actuator;    -   ix) A horizontal application of the coupler between a dock        segment and a dock ramp.    -   x) A fixed horizontal dock segment with a vertical assembly of        frame wood, composites or metal pipe dock and legs attached with        direct mounted pin or bit as partial or continuously across dock        segment frame and the attachment of clamp or bite and clamp        tooth activated and assembled while maintained in vertical plane        then lowered to service, providing the ability to install and        remove by raising the dock segment upwardly, by way of a        rotation in the coupling device about an axis.    -   xi) A hinge coupler with a small out take of pin or bit as        elongated but short segment flange attached along axis on the        under-side opposing bite flange, as an attachment to mounting        flange or plate and the clamp or bite with the retained sides        using the pin or bit as the lateral containment inside the clamp        or bit housing, for example as shown in FIGS. 18 to 24.

While the present disclosure describes various exemplary embodiments,the disclosure is not so limited. To the contrary, the disclosure isintended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements, aswill be readily appreciated by the person of ordinary skill in the art.

1. A coupling device for a joining together adjacent dock segments of adock installation, comprising an elongate pin portion and at least oneclamp portion, each positionable on respective dock segments; the pinportion having at least one elongate first clamp surface aligned alongits length with a central longitudinal first axis, the pin portion beingconfigured to be received in a corresponding pin-receiving regionadjacent the clamp portion; the pin-receiving region at least partiallybordered by at least one second clamp surface which is aligned with asecond axis; and wherein the clamp portion is configured to be actuatedbetween an open pin-receiving configuration, at least partially openingthe pin-receiving region along the second axis, and a pin-engagingconfiguration with the first clamp surface engaged with the second clampsurface, the second axis configured to be substantially parallel withthe first axis, and with a lateral axis of at least one of the docksegments, for securing the pin portion therewith, so that the pinportion is rotatable relative to the clamp portion about the first axisto accommodate relative movement between the adjacent dock segments. 2.The device of claim 1, wherein the clamp portion further comprises firstand second clamp portions, each providing one of a pair of the secondclamp surfaces, wherein the second clamp surfaces are at least partiallysubstantially symmetrical relative to the pin-receiving region.
 3. Thedevice of claim 1, further comprising a pin support portion configuredfor mounting the pin portion on a corresponding mounting region on afirst dock segment.
 4. The device of claim 3, further comprising a clampsupport portion configured for mounting the first and second clampportions on a corresponding mounting region on a second dock segment. 5.The device of claim 1, further comprising an actuator operable todisplace the first clamp portion relative to the second clamp portionbetween the pin-receiving and pin-engaging configurations.
 6. The deviceof claim 5, wherein the actuator is configured to be accessible from anupper deck surface of the dock segment.
 7. The device of claim 5,wherein the actuator is configured to be accessible from a locationother than an upper deck surface of the dock segment.
 8. The device ofclaim 7, wherein the actuator includes a threaded member threadablyengaged with one of the first and second clamp portions.
 9. The deviceof claim 7, wherein the second clamp portion is configured as a cam todisplace the pin portion between the pin-engaging and pin-receivingconfigurations, on rotation thereof.
 10. The device of claim 1, whereinthe pin portion and/or the clamp portions further comprise one or morelayers of one or more low-friction materials to form the first and/orsecond clamp surfaces.
 11. The device of claim 1, further comprising anindicator, operable to indicate when the clamping portion is in thepin-engaging configuration.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein theindicator includes an indicator member, associated with the actuator,and capable of changing its orientation in a visibly distinctive mannerbetween the pin-receiving configuration and pin-engaging configurations.13. The device of claim 12, wherein the indicator member is a blockwhich, in the pin-engaged configuration is sufficiently squeezed tobecome visible by an operator of the actuator.
 14. A dock segmentcomprising a designated portion of a pin portion or a clamp portion of acoupling device of claim 1, wherein the dock segment includes one ormore of a floating or non-floating dock span, a ramp, a pier and/or adock anchor.
 15. The device of claim 1, wherein the pin support portionincludes a base and a pair of webs extending outwardly therefrom, thewebs configured to support the pin portion therebetween.
 16. The deviceof claim 15, wherein the webs include parallel passages to receive acorresponding end region of the pin portion.
 17. The device of claim 2,wherein the second clamp portion includes a channel portion with aflange extending outwardly therefrom, wherein one or more of the channelportion and flange define the second clamp surface.
 18. The device ofclaim 17, wherein the channel portion includes an inner passage which isdimensioned to receive a first threaded fastener therein in manner toprevent rotation of the threaded fastener, the channel and/or flangebeing further configured to receive a second complementary threadedfastener extending between the first and second clamp portions.
 19. Acoupling device for use in positioning a dock segment in a dockinstallation, comprising a clamp portion positionable on the docksegment or an associated anchoring structure, the clamp portion having apin-receiving region to receive a pin portion of another couplingdevice, the pin-receiving region being aligned with a clamp axis,wherein the clamp portion is configured to be actuated between an openpin-receiving configuration, at least partially opening thepin-receiving region along the clamp axis, and a pin-engagingconfiguration with the pin portion held in the pin-receiving region,wherein the clamp axis is configured to be substantially parallel with apin axis of the pin portion, and with a lateral axis of the dock segmentor the associated anchoring structure, for securing the pin portiontherewith, so that the pin portion is rotatable relative to the clampportion about the pin axis to accommodate relative movement between thedock segment and the adjacent dock segment or associated anchoringstructure.
 20. A method of installing a dock at a designated location,comprising: a. providing at least one coupling device of claim 1,wherein the pin portion and the clamp portion are each positioned oncorresponding dock segments or a dock segment and an associatedanchoring structure; with the clamp portion in the pin-receivingconfiguration; b. operatively aligning the pin portion and clamp portionfor engagement; and c. actuating the clamp portion to the pin-engagingconfiguration.